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Australia's bold action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.